Taylor Swift groping trial enters second day of jury selection

Tree Paine, publicist for pop singer Taylor Swift, walks back to a hotel after attending the jury selection phase in a civil trial in federal court, Monday in Denver, to determine whether a radio host groped the pop singer.
David Zalubowski — The Associated Press

Tree Paine, publicist for pop singer Taylor Swift, walks back to a hotel after attending the jury selection phase in a civil trial in federal court, Monday in Denver, to determine whether a radio host groped the pop singer.
David Zalubowski — The Associated Press

DENVER >> A jury of eight is expected to be seated Tuesday in Taylor Swift’s civil trial involving a groping allegation against a former Denver DJ.

More than 10 candidates were immediately dismissed during the first day of jury selection Monday, and more than 30 potential jurors are due back in court Tuesday.

The jury is expected to be seated by the afternoon.

Jurors will try to decide whether a radio host groped the pop superstar during a photo op before a concert in Denver in 2013 — and whether she and her team got him fired. They also are being asked to determine not just whose story to believe but what to make of a photograph that both sides say proves their case.

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The photo shows David Mueller with his right hand behind the singer, just below her waist, before a 2013 concert. It’s inconclusive whether he’s touching her. Both are smiling.

Based on court records, here’s a look at that and other key elements in the he-said, she-said trial in federal court in Denver.

THE PHOTOGRAPH

Swift’s lawyers called the image “damning” proof that Mueller inappropriately touched her. Mueller argues it shows him trying to jump into the frame.

Entertainment news outlet TMZ obtained and published the photo, which has since been sealed by the court.

Swift’s business manager, Jesse Schaudies Jr., said her side did not want the picture in the news.

“We did not want copycats and one-uppers abounding. And that happens in our world,” he testified last year. “These people all tend to escalate. I’ve watched what happens with these files and individuals.”

THE ENCOUNTER

Swift says: “He took his hand and put it up my dress and grabbed onto my ass cheek.”

Immediately after the meet-and-greet, Swift says, she confirmed the assault with a photographer and security staff, who then confronted Mueller.

Mueller says he told the security staff: “Please call the police. I didn’t do anything.”

Swift’s security guard was about 3 feet (about 1 meter) away during the meet-and-greet, Mueller says. Swift remained pleasant as she bid Mueller and his girlfriend goodbye, he says, and more than a dozen people met with Swift after Mueller left.

THE AFTERMATH

Swift said: “It was not an accident. It was completely intentional, and I have never been so sure of anything in my life.”

A member of Swift’s staff called Mueller’s boss at radio station KYGO and asked that the station “take appropriate action.”

Swift maintains she was sexually assaulted, but she was trying to keep the matter discreet and quiet. She says she does not know Mueller and has no incentive to target him or to fabricate a story.

Mueller’s boss said the DJ told him during an internal investigation that any contact during the photo op was incidental or accidental.

OTHER KEY WITNESSES

— Andrea Swift, the singer’s mother, will testify about the decision to contact Mueller’s boss and not call the police.

— Frank Bell, a member of the singer’s team, will testify about why he contacted Mueller’s bosses at KYGO and what was said. Bell and Andrea Swift are also defendants in Mueller’s lawsuit.

— Shannon Melcher, Mueller’s girlfriend at the time, will testify about standing on the other side of Swift when the photo was taken, and to Mueller’s character.

— Greg Dent, Swift’s bodyguard, may be called to testify about what he saw during the encounter.